Axiom Home Page Forums General Discussion Stereo Rotel RX-1052 VS Harmon Kardon 3480

What would be the biggest difference between these two, besides the fact that the Rotel is double the price of the HK? They seem somewhat similar spec-wise. What is the warranty on the HK?
Thanks in advance!

Shane D

Save your money. Everything I see made by Rotel is 2x the price of what other, equally specced gear is. The HK has an oddly high amount of distortion into 4 ohms(0.2%, compared to the usual 0.04%-0.08%), but if that worries you go for another stereo receiver/integrated amp that would put out the same/more amount of power than the rotel for half the price.

In reply to:

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The HK has an oddly high amount of distortion into 4 ohms(0.2%, compared to the usual 0.04%-0.08%)

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That should be a nonissue for him running the M60s.The HK 3480 is a steal of a receiver for what it is going for.A friend of mine has one and it is a fine peice of gear.I do like my Rotel amp but if I had to choose between the $299 HK or the $900 Rotel I do beleive I would give the HK a very serious look.

The 4 ohms may not be an issue right now, but I would like to be able to upgrade if the mood strikes me. So with Rotel, you are just paying for the name?

Shane D

I wouldn't say you will be paying more for the Rotel name.The Rotel has better build quality and few more features than than HK does.I have seen both and the Rotel is by far a nicer looking ( imo ) and beter built unit.I would still give the HK a look as it is a heck of a deal.

I would really suggest buying Rotel, it will be a major shift in your audio preferences, it is actually considered as entry level to high end audio, a step from major consumer electronic brands. Since the first time I heard its sound I was hooked!! and look at me now: I have three Rotel pieces and am so happy.. Great sound, and hey!! great looks!!!

I asked an Axiom person for a comparison. He said that the Rotel piece is definitely better than the HK. He also called the HK piece an HT. Not sure what that means, and I am waiting for a reply.

Shane D

It is all about what you can afford.

Fair enough. I am looking at this as a long term investment. For the difference of a few hundred dollars, I would get the better piece, if I thought it was worth it. I am thinking/hoping that this unit will last for a lot of years.

Shane D

Shane,

As already mentioned, it’s all about how much pain you can endure when you write the check. If you really are into the long haul and don’t plan on upgrading every couple years or so, then I would be looking at separates. With separates, you can keep the amps and tuner for twenty years. As technology changes and you just have to have the latest and greatest new sound processor, all you will need to upgrade will be the pre-amp/processor. This will definitely cost more than buying a receiver, of any make for that matter, but you will have a set up that will put a smile on your face every time you turn it on. And in five years or so, buy a new processor and put the one you’re replacing on eBay or audiogon. You’d be surprised at how well high end gear holds it value. I certainly was when I was considering used gear…….

Rotel is definitely more expensive than the main stream brands, but they are not overly priced when you start looking at other manufactures of the same build quality, power capabilities and similar warrantees. (Rotel has a five year warrantee by the way). You won’t see that with Dennon, Yamaha, HK, Pioneer, etc…

NAD and the entry level Parasound line are both neck and neck with Rotel. All three are considered entry level HI-FI. The next step up will be double in cost. Take a look at the Parasound Halo line, Krell, McIntosh, Bryson, Sunfire, ……..the list goes on and on and on. After you start looking at these manufactures and their prices, you will very quickly see that Rotel is anything other than one heck of a bargain.